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Saturday, January 21, 2017

Do you have a rock guitarist in you family? Make them a flying rock guitar.

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Information: My Boards are warped.

I want to take a few sentences to talk about wood. When a tree is harvested for lumber it is full of moisture. Before the lumber is used it is either air or kiln dried. Kiln drying can take from hours to days. Air drying can take months. They take great pains to make sure the lumber dries evenly otherwise they risk wood movement. Wood movement means cupping, twisting, checking etc. They lay the rough lumber on what they call stickers. Stickers are just spacers that separate the boards to allow air to move freely between each board. They only get the lumber down to a moisture content of something like 18% to 25%. When you get the board in your shop it still has moisture.

We can use these same techniques when we order scroll saw ready boards. These thin and wide boards have a nasty habit of cupping when we get them in our shop(picture below). As the board takes on or releases moisture more on one side than the other it can cup. That's what happened to the board in the first picture. I opened it in my shop and placed it on a flat surface. The moisture escaped faster on the top than the bottom and because of the structure of the grain it cupped.

I could have possibly prevented this by stickering the boards like the picture below. This would have allowed the boards to dry evenly.

Now let's say you have a cupped board. Can we make it flat again? The answer is often yes. We know that the board cupped because it dried quicker on one side. What would happen if we reversed that process. Hopefully it will cup back the other direction. Here is a trick to try.

We need the cupped board and a flat surface. We need several water soaked paper towels. We need some heavy objects.

Apply the water soaked towels to the cupped side of the board. Edges curled up. Let the water soak in for a few minutes.

Now flip the board over on a flat surface so the edges curl down. Wet side down.

I placed a piece of mdf to even out the weight on the board. Then a heavy block and gallon of glue. Hopefully as the wet fibers expand back the board will flatten out.

There is a science to this but we do have control over every variable. This makes it a little hit or miss to get the board flat. We may have to repeat the process to get what we want. This is a case of prevention being better than the cure.

Okay I have put myself out on a limb. Will it be flat tomorrow? Check back for tomorrows post to find out how I did.

Click to enter the Bear Woods $75 gift certificate giveaway. Nine days left to enter.

The first edition of Understanding Wood was published in 1980 and has since sold more than 130,000 copies. It is widely held as a definitive reference work and the cornerstone of every woodworker's library. Now, Bruce Hoadley's comprehensive guide to wood technology has been revised and updated in this 20th-anniversary edition of a classic.

New information on composite materials, adhesives, and finishes brings this book into the 21st century, while more than 300 photographs bring important visual information to life. This edition covers the nature of wood and its properties, the basics of wood technology, and the woodworker's raw materials. Understanding Woodwas written for woodworkers by a scientist with a love of woodworking. It will be sought after by craftsmen and collectors alike.

Hooah!. It will get done. No, is not an option. You can use this pattern for a vet or cut the bottom section off and make it for current soldiers.

Information:

I received two emails today that made this thought come to mind. One email was from a new reader of the blog and she had just bought her first scroll saw. The second was from the owner of BearWoods. (Sponsor of our monthly giveaway)

Christine wanted to know if I could give her any tips to get started. Stephen, the owner of Bear Woods wanted to know if I would do a testimonial for one of his products that I use. (Pegas scroll saw blades)

The two questions were linked in this way. The first tip I gave Christine was to buy the best blades she could get for her machine. It was an entry level machine. I explained to her that high quality blades will help with technique and they last longer so are actually cheaper in the long run. Scroll saw blades are cheap compared to wood. It's silly to mess up a nice piece of hardwood because of a dull blade.

I was still thinking about the tip I gave her when Stephen's email popped up.

I was more than happy to do the testimonial for the Pegas blades because I have used them for the last several months and I know they are high quality. I have to be comfortable with a product before I tell someone else to try it.

Are Pegas blades the only high quality blade on the market? No. Are they as good as any and better than most? Yes.

Like I said in the testimonial. If you want to do the single most important upgrade to your scroll saw, buy high quality blades. It really is that important. I don't really care if you buy Pegas or another high quality blade. If you are struggling with your new scroll saw and want to hit it with a hammer just do this before you get violent. Buy some high quality blades and see for yourself how much better you can cut with accuracy and ease. You will also find out they are cheaper in the long run.

Ten days left to enter this months Bear Woods $75 gift certificate giveaway. Don't get left out enter now.

I have been in the market for a new stud finder. I started doing my research and this one stood out. After watching a few review videos I looked it up on Amazon. The reviews there were very good 4.5 out of 5. It's not cheap but I want something easy to use. My last one was okay but frustrating to get accurate results. I think this is the one I will order.

This is the end of the daily posts. Keep scrolling for lot's more scrolls saw fun!

Bear Woods has been around since 1987 serving our hobby. They offer a wide range of craft products including Pegas scroll saw blades, clock inserts, toy parts, workshop supplies and much more. In my ten years of writing the Scrollsaw Workshop blog I have never received a complaint about Bear Woods. I get thousands of email a month so that's saying something about their customer service and quality products. Please support the people who support our hobby. Click now and visit Bear Woods.

Heritage Wood Specialties. Scroll saw ready boards!

Heritage Wood Specialties is a nationally recognized supplier of superior quality hardwoods to fine woodworkers across the US and Canada. Novice hobbyists and experienced enthusiasts alike can enjoy the high quality woodworking materials and kits available from Heritage Wood Specialties.
Great source for scroll saw ready boards.

Seyco

Seyco began business in 1986 with the goal to supply the best customer support and quality products in the scroll saw industry. I have worked with Seyco on many occasions and I can tell you they are simply the best. Please do yourself a favor and click the image above. Steve Good

CATALOG DVD $20+ Shipping

Do you want all the patterns available from the Scrollsaw Workshop? This DVD has every pattern published from 2007 thru 2017. This DVD has 2,300 patterns. The DVD is $20 plus shipping to many countries in the world. Check the order page for details.

No returns are accepted. No refunds. Defective DVDs will be replaced.

Create a Family Heirloom. Download The Jigsaw Puzzle Template Book. Only $7.00

May not print correctly from a mobile device.
Use a desktop or laptop computer for printing. Instructions included for printing

Create one of a kind jig saw puzzles. Imagine how thrilled they will be when you create a hand cut wooden jigsaw puzzle of their photograph. Wedding and anniversary photos, birthday or special occasion.

Watch this video demonstration to see of the templates being used to create a wedding puzzle.

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You will be directed to the download page after your purchase for instant download.

This pattern book contains the following size patterns

5x5 25 piece

4x6 24 piece

5x7 35 piece

8x10 80 piece

4x6 96 piece

5x7 140 piece

8x10 320
piece

Important: On the successful payment page click the Return to Merchant button to be directed to the download page.
This pattern book contains only the puzzle patterns. No pictures are included. The book is in Adobe pdf format and requires Adobe Reader to view. This is a download only. If you wish to pay by check please include an email address and I will send the file to you. I can not mail a disk or print of the book.

Order the $3 pdf Catalog

This is a PDF of all the patterns in my free catalog. It is for Windows only and has a program to automatically download the pattern to your computer. Please watch the video below before you order.
Click the picture to order.

You do not need a PayPal account to order. At the bottom of the PayPal page is a button that will allow you to pay with a credit card. After successful payment click the Return to Merchant button for the download.

Stencil Printer 1.7

Stencil Printer Instruction Video.

The Scrollsaw Workshop Stencil Printer 1.7 is my latest software for creating patterns. It will create key chain fobs, desk name plates and more. Click the image above to download the latest version. It is free to use donationware. This software is for Windows PC only.

Scroll Saw Pattern Printer update 1.1

Scroll Saw Keychain Pattern Maker

Use the Scroll Saw Keychain Maker to start a small keychain business. Build yourself a nice display and make up severl keychains with common names. Sell at craft shows, on Ebay or at work. Everyone needs a keychain. Take custom orders. Heck just make them and give them away as gifts. It's all made easy with the Scroll Saw Keychain Maker.
Watch the video demonstration then download the file below and get started with the fun.

The following link will start the download process. After the file download is complete just click the setup file and the program will be installed.

Download the Oval Keychain Pattern Maker.

Enjoy designing and printing these great personalized key chains. Give them as gifts, make them for fun or sell them at craft shows. It's easy, just watch the video demo then download and install the program. You will be designing these fun projects in minutes. Windows PC only.

T-Shirts and More.

Show your love for the hobby and support the Scrollsaw Workshop. Safe and secure order fullfilled by CafePress. Take a look. You are sure to find something you like. CLICK THE IMAGE to visit the store.

Charles Dearing Portrait Pattern DVD's

If you want to make your own portrait pattern designs this may be what you are looking for. Charles Dearing has a unique approach to designing portrait style patterns. He does not use complicated computer software. He uses good old pen, paper and tracing. Charles teaches everything you need to know to take your picture and turn it in to a beautiful wooden treasure. Click this link now and see the DVD's he has to offer.

The Lifter

Papa's Custom Patterns.

Sheila Landry Designs

Sue Mey Scroll saw artist

Make sure you visit my good friend Sue. She is one of the finest scroll saw pattern designers in the world today. .

Philip Lowndes Noah's Arc Pattern Available. Watch the video below.

This video is from Philip Lowndes. He is the designer of this beautiful Noah's Arc puzzle pattern. If you would like the pattern follow the link below.

Think Safety

Remember to keep the safety of yourself and others in your work shop in your thoughts at all times. Always wear eye and ear protection. Follow all the manufactures warnings that came with your power tools. If I demonstrate something on this web site that you don't feel is safe, don't do it. Your safety is your responsibility. Fingers are handy things, try to keep all of them.__________________________

Disclaimer:The Scrollsaw Workshop Blog is in no way affiliated with or sponsored by Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts Magazine formerly (Scroll Saw Workshop Magazine) or it's publisher Fox Chapel Publishing.